Data center power manufacturer to bring 250 jobs to James City County with new U.S. facility

JAMES CITY COUNTY – An Irish energy infrastructure manufacturer that specializes in data centers has opened its first U.S. facility in James City County amid a $5.2 million investment expected to create 250 jobs within the coming year.

CEL Critical Power hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday attended by Gov. Glenn Youngkin alongside state and local officials. The company’s 400,000-square foot facility will focus on building power systems for data centers throughout the United States.

As many as 500 people are expected to be employed at the new site by 2030.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he was “thrilled to welcome” CEL to Virginia, noting that James City County is an ideal location for the new plant.

“Virginia has great jobs, and as CEL works to fill these 250 new positions, they are in the best location possible to attract and retain the talent they need,” Youngkin said. “CEL’s growth into James City County reflects that the future of American manufacturing is right here in the Commonwealth.”

Jim Icenhour, chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors, praised the facility for bringing high-wage jobs to the county.

“CEL recognized that our region’s talented and skilled workforce includes many veterans departing the armed services and this project will create 250 family-sustaining wage jobs in James City County,” Icenhour said.

The county collaborated with the Hampton Roads Alliance and The Virginia Economic Development Partnership to bring the project to life.

CEL is also receiving support from the state through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program which provides employee recruitment and training services at no cost to the business.

Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, pointed to the site as an example of the positive impacts data center growth can have in the Commonwealth. He said that Virginia is “uniquely positioned” to provide fast and reliable transportation of data center products to centers throughout the U.S.

Senator Danny Diggs added that he recently toured the new facility and was “extremely impressed” with their operation.

“The jobs that they will create will have a positive impact on our local citizens,” Diggs said. “Investments like this are vital to strengthening Virginia’s economy and ensuring that our state remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”

CEL was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1982 and manufactures power solutions for the global cloud and AI industry, such as low-voltage power distribution systems, switchgear equipment and remote power panels. The company’s products have been used in microchips designed by companies such as Nvidia. The opening of the new site comes amid growing debate surrounding the possibility of future data center construction in James City County.